By JON WEBB
GLASGOW — Bullitt Central’s dreams of an undefeated season are still alive one week into their season.
Two weeks into Barren County’s, their’s are not.
The Trojans lost to Bullitt 21-7 on Friday after falling behind 14-0 early in the game.
“The first half wasn’t our best,” head coach Jeff Richey said. “We came out a little flat.”
Barren made adjustments at halftime, however, and played Bullitt to a 7-7 tie in the final 24 minutes. They even had a chance to slim the lead to 21-14 toward the end of the game, but were unable to convert. In the end, Bullitt’s early lead and physicality did them in.
“(Bullitt) pretty much dominated the first half, but we played them 7-7 in the second,” Richey said. “It was just a tale of two halves.”
Richey said Bullitt’s size and physical play neutralized a Barren running game that put up 218 yards in last week’s 35-0 win over Metcalfe County in the T.J. Samson Bowl.
Barren only managed 30 team rushing yards on Friday, while Bullitt put up 275 and managed 18 first downs.
“(Bullitt) was a lot bigger than us,” Richey said. “We have a big Barren County team this year, but they were much bigger.”
In need of some offense after the first half, Richey turned to quarterback Colton Phelps, who threw for 176 yards and one touchdown against a team that went 8-3 last year (their first winning season in 18 years) and returned the bulk of their lineup. Jess Hunt caught Phelps’ touchdown toss.
Barren’s passing game helped keep the offense on the field and didn’t allow Bullitt to control the clock.
“It was good we had ball control with the passing game,” Richey said.
Bullitt’s main offensive weapon came in the form of Jeremaie Bennett, a running back who rushed for more than 1,300 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2008.
Richey said his defense would often find themselves out of position, forcing them to attempt to arm tackle the large, fast back.
There were positives for Barren’s defense on Friday night, however. Senior Colby Long intercepted two passes on the night, and Barren as a whole held Bullitt to only 48 yards passing.
Although Barren escaped last week without a single injury, they were not so lucky against Bullitt.
Richey said Tyler Furlong suffered bruised ribs and Ben Lancaster “got a little banged up” as well.
Another problem was penalties.
According to Richey, Barren was penalized nine times on Friday night, giving up 89 yards because of it.
Richey said the team matched up well speed wise, and was glad the Trojans bounced back in the second half.
“There are a lot of positives to build on,” Richey said. “I’m not happy to lose, though.”
Barren will next face down-the-road rival Glasgow at Barren County on Sept. 4.
The Trojans will come into the game with a 1-1 record, while Glasgow will attempt its first three-game win streak since 2007.
